Nigeria and Canada have signed an expanded Air Transport Agreement that will pave the way for direct scheduled flights between the two countries for the first time.
The agreement is expected to strengthen bilateral ties by improving air connectivity and promoting trade, tourism, investment and people-to-people relations between Nigeria and Canada.
The agreement was signed on Thursday at the Canadian High Commission in Abuja by officials from both countries. The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, was represented at the signing by the Director of Air Transport Management, Mohammed Tijjani.
The development comes as the Federal Government steps up efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s international aviation partnerships and expand air connectivity with other countries.
In recent months, the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development has increased negotiations with several countries towards reviewing Bilateral Air Services Agreements, attracting more international airlines and creating greater opportunities for Nigerian carriers as part of the government’s aviation reform agenda.
The introduction of direct flights between Nigeria and Canada has been a long-standing demand among travellers and businesses, particularly because of the sizeable Nigerian community in Canada and the growing links between both countries in trade, education and tourism.
According to a statement issued on Thursday by Tunde Moshood, Special Adviser on Media and Communications to the Aviation Minister, the expanded agreement followed an extensive technical review of the existing Bilateral Air Services framework.
The statement partly read, “In a landmark step towards strengthening bilateral aviation relations and expanding economic cooperation, the Federal Government of Nigeria and the Government of Canada have signed an expanded Air Transport Agreement that will, for the first time, permit direct scheduled air services between both countries.
“The expanded agreement marks a significant milestone in the aviation relationship between Nigeria and Canada. It introduces several important enhancements designed to improve connectivity, promote tourism, facilitate trade, and create new opportunities for airlines and businesses in both countries.”
Direct Flights to Improve Nigeria-Canada Connectivity
Under the new framework, airlines from both countries will have greater opportunities to operate scheduled services between Nigeria and Canada.
The statement said the agreement provides “The right for Nigeria and Canada to designate multiple airlines to operate scheduled air services between the two countries,” with “a capacity allowance of 14 weekly passenger flights and 10 weekly all-cargo flights for the designated airlines of each country.”
The agreement also includes provisions that could strengthen cargo transportation between the two countries through expanded traffic rights.
It further stated that the agreement grants “Fifth Freedom Traffic Rights for all-cargo operations, allowing cargo airlines to transport freight between two foreign countries, provided the service originates or terminates in the airline’s home country.”
The Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development said the agreement could significantly improve the experience of passengers travelling between Nigeria and Canada while also reducing some of the costs associated with international transportation.
It continued, “The agreement is expected to significantly enhance air connectivity between Nigeria and Canada by paving the way for the commencement of direct flights, thereby reducing travel time, improving passenger convenience, lowering logistics costs, and strengthening commercial and cultural ties between both nations.”
The agreement is also expected to have particular significance for Nigerians living and studying in Canada, given the increasing movement of people between the two countries.
The statement noted, “The development is particularly significant given the growing people-to-people relationship between Nigeria and Canada. As of 31 March 2026, more than 25,000 Nigerians hold valid Canadian study permits, making Nigeria one of Canada’s major international student source countries. The enhanced aviation framework is expected to further support educational exchanges, tourism, business travel, investment, and family reunification.”
The latest agreement builds on previous efforts by both countries to establish a stronger aviation relationship.
According to the ministry, the Nigeria–Canada Air Transport Agreement was initially negotiated in 2014 as a code-share-only arrangement before it was formally signed in March 2025.
The ministry described the latest development as the first major expansion of the bilateral air services framework between Nigeria and Canada in more than a decade, potentially opening a new chapter in direct air connectivity and broader economic relations between both countries.
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